Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they are made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.

The Pros and Cons of Bridges
Bridges are a functional and reliable tooth replacement option that gives many people predictably positive results and an improved smile. Bridges are also less costly on the outset than implants, and require a shorter amount of time to make, meaning you can replace your missing teeth much more quickly.

Bridges do, however, require that the abutment teeth are healthy and strong. Some enamel may also have to be removed from the adjacent teeth, and, if they have crowns, then those crowns will have to be redone. Bridges have also been known to increase rates or gum disease, so careful and thorough oral hygiene habits are particularly important for bridge wearers. Also, while bridges are cheaper on the outset, they will typically have to be replaced in 10-15 years.

The Pros and Cons of Implants
Like bridges, dental implants are aesthetically pleasing, reliable, and very functional. In fact, an implant functions exactly like a normal tooth, making it easy to speak and to chew. Dental implants do not require that any work be done on adjacent teeth, and they do not contribute to increased rates of gum disease. Dental implants are as easy to clean as natural teeth, and they are not susceptible to tooth decay. Best of all, dental implants can last a lifetime. Though their longevity is a major pro, dental implants can be significantly more expensive on the outset. They also require minor surgery and a bit of a recovery time. Dental implants are furthermore not a good option for people with certain oral health conditions.